Robber jailed for stabbing man in his home

Watt (left) and Lofthouse were jailed following the violent robbery Credit: Cumbria Police

A robber who stabbed a man twice at his home has been jailed for eight years.

Wayne Watt, 42, was armed with a 10-inch blade when he went into Simon Grears' Whitehaven flat on February 24 and "rushed" at him.

Watt punched Mr Grears and then stabbed him twice in the leg, snatching £10 as he did so.

Leaving the victim bleeding, Watt then fled the scene with his partner, Kelly Marie Lofthouse. She had secured entry to the flat of Mr Grears - whom she knew - but was unaware Watt had a knife as they went to the property.

Mr Grears had to undergo surgery to treat his stab wounds. The incident was said to have occurred amid a "falling-out" over drugs.

Watt and 37-year-old Lofthouse, both of Seven Acres, Parton, Whitehaven, were sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today. Each had pleaded guilty to robbery.

Lofthouse also admitted previously possessing heroin and crack cocaine, with intent to supply, and also twice racially abusing a Chinese pharmacist.

Watt - a man with 116 crimes to his name - was jailed by Recorder Julie Clemitson, who also sent Lofthouse to prison for a total of four years, nine months.